Politics
AFRICA, ASIA, CHINA, COUP, ECONOMIC COMMUNITY OF WEST AFRICAN STATES, ECONOMIC INTEGRATION, ECOWAS, ECOWAS AUTHORITY, ECOWAS AUTHORITY OF HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, EUROPE, EUROPE/ASIA, FRANCE, MALI, NIGER, OF MALI, PARIS, REGIONAL COOPERATION, RUSSIA, WEST AFRICA
Sophia Klein
ECOWAS Acknowledges Departure of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger with Visa-Free Movement Measures
ECOWAS officially acknowledged the exit of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger on January 29, 2025, after a year of notice. The organization urged member states to continue recognizing the ECOWAS-branded passports of these countries and outlined measures for treatment of goods, services, and citizens. The departure comes amid rising tensions regarding France’s influence and the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States.
On January 29, 2025, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) officially acknowledged the departure of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic, effective after a one-year notice period. Despite this exit, ECOWAS emphasized the importance of regional solidarity, urging member states to continue to recognize the national passports of the departing nations bearing the ECOWAS logo until further notice.
Additionally, ECOWAS outlined specific measures for member countries, which include: recognizing national passports and identity cards with the ECOWAS logo held by citizens of the exiting countries; treating goods and services from these countries under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS); enabling visa-free movement, residence, and establishment for these citizens; and cooperating fully with ECOWAS officials during their assignments.
ECOWAS has established a framework to engage in discussions pertaining to future interactions with the three nations. This initiative aims to maintain stability and avoid confusion for citizens and businesses during this transitional phase. The departure of these countries, particularly alongside Mali, raises critical questions regarding the future of the ECOWAS bloc and its cohesion.
Historically, the three junta-led countries opted for withdrawal from ECOWAS, citing a perception of the organization’s over-reliance on France, which has become a common adversary for them. This dissent has prompted the formation of a new confederation known as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). In Niger, significant public demonstrations occurred, showcasing the support for the military regime during this period of transition.
The official withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS marks a significant transformation within the regional bloc, reflecting geopolitical changes and dissatisfaction among the three nations regarding ECOWAS’s associations, particularly with France. The decision to exit stems from a broader strategy to forge new alliances with alternative states such as Russia and Turkey. The emergence of the Alliance of Sahel States further complicates the dynamics in West Africa, as these nations seek to redefine their sovereignty and collaborative efforts away from traditional partners.
In conclusion, the recognition of the exit of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS signifies a pivotal shift in West African geopolitics. While these nations pursue new partnerships and regional solidarity remains a priority for ECOWAS, the implications of their departure may lead to persistent uncertainties. The outlined measures demonstrate ECOWAS’s commitment to maintaining cooperative relations despite the changes, as it seeks to engage in constructive dialogue with the departing countries.
Original Source: solacebase.com
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